Summary
Ultrasound is a highly valuable and versatile method for evaluating soft tissue abnormalities in rheumatological conditions. It serves as a valuable extension of the clinical examination and offers several advantages. Ultrasound not only identifies abnormalities but also allows clinicians to apply transducer compression to replicate a patient’s characteristic symptoms, aiding in diagnosis.
Its significance in clinical settings is expected to grow in the coming years, potentially becoming an essential tool for rheumatologists, similar to how echocardiography is indispensable for cardiologists. However, this requires clinicians to undergo sufficient training to avoid diagnostic errors. Only when skeletal ultrasound becomes an integral part of rheumatological diagnosis can its full potential be realized.
